Susan Elise (Schanz) Connelly, 73, of Norfolk passed away on January 5, 2020 at her home. She was the only child of the late MaryAnn (Huelser) and William H. Schanz and was born November 4th, 1946 and grew up in New Jersey. She graduated from Defiance College in Ohio and eventually moved to the Boston area.
Survivors include her beloved husband of 44 years, Daniel J. Connelly, her son, Christian B. Connelly, the joy of her life, her devoted daughter-in-law, Carrie, and precious grandson, Cooper from Wyckoff, New Jersey. Sister-in laws, Carolyn from West Roxbury, MA, Virginia from Pelham Manor, NY and brother-in-law, Terrence from Palo Alto, CA ; as well as many relatives from her extended family and an innumerable number of friends who enriched her life.
Susan's life was filled with genealogical research not only of her own family, but she also liked to pay it forward and help research other families as well. She was the main driving force in organizing over a dozen family reunions from both sides of the Connelly family resulting in sharing of genealogical information throughout the families. She also spent time finding the graves of veterans through Find a Grave, resulting in many veterans being identified and registered. Also her love of animals was manifested in her volunteer work with the Purr-fect Cat Shelter in Medway, MA.
Her greatest passion however was traveling, enjoying many trips with her husband not only in the United States, but innumerable European rivers cruises, some as far reaching as China and Russia! Her quest to widen her horizons was insatiable. Clearly missing her calling as a travel agent, she organized a very successful Christmas Markets River Cruise for the members of her community in Norfolk.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Friday, January 10 at 1 PM at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street in Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com). Burial will follow at Norfolk Cemetery in Norfolk. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 4-7 PM in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Susan’s memory to The Purr-fect Cat Shelter, P.O. Box 548, Medway, MA 02053 would be most appreciated.